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An outbreak of acute histoplasmosis in a family
Abstract:
Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis was diagnosed in three members of a New Mexico family that had recently attended a family reunion in Iowa. The treating physicians rapidly documented an outbreak of atypical pneumonia in the family. The clinical features and epidemiology of the outbreak suggest histoplasmosis was contracted during exposure in an abandoned barn. Fever, chills and myalgia were the most common symptoms; shortness of breath occurred frequently.
Insights
Three family members contracted acute pulmonary histoplasmosis after a reunion in Iowa, likely from exposure in an abandoned barn. Symptoms included fever, chills, myalgia, and shortness of breath, indicating an atypical pneumonia outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis is a fungal infection.
- Outbreaks can occur following exposure to contaminated environments.
- Atypical pneumonia symptoms can mimic other respiratory illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a cluster of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a family.
- To identify the source and epidemiological factors of the outbreak.
- To describe the clinical presentation of the affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Case series investigation of a family with respiratory illness.
- Clinical assessment and diagnosis of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis.
- Epidemiological analysis to determine exposure source.
Main Results:
- Three family members were diagnosed with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis.
- The outbreak was linked to a family reunion in Iowa with exposure in an abandoned barn.
- Common symptoms included fever, chills, myalgia, and frequent shortness of breath.
Conclusions:
- Abandoned barns can be reservoirs for Histoplasma capsulatum.
- Prompt diagnosis and epidemiological investigation are crucial for managing outbreaks.
- Fungal pneumonia should be considered in patients with atypical pneumonia symptoms after relevant exposures.